Automatic spray, steam, and dry iron



Aug- 24, 1965 B. A. BENTON 3,201,880

AUTOMATIC SPRAY, STEAM, AND DRY IRON .Biggfe Aenon, MM 0% AAV B. A. DENTON AUTOMATIC SPRAY, STEAM, AND DRY IRON Aug. 24, 1965 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Sept. -2O 1962 Aug? 24, 1965 B. A. DENTON 3,201,880

AUTOMATIC SPRAY, STEAM, AND DRY IRON Filed Sept. 20, 1962 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Aug. 24, 1965 AUTOMATIC SPRAY,

Filed Sept. 20, 1962 B. A. DENTON United States Patent O 3,201,880 AUTOMATIC SPRAY, STEAM, AND DRY HRQN Bryce A. Denton, Ontario, Caiit., assigner to General Electric Company, a corporation of New York Fiied Sept. 26, 1%2, Ser. No. 224,919 Claims. (Ci. 258-77) This invention Irelates to electric steam or dry pressing irons of the type having a yliquid spray mechanism powered by steam generated within the iron, and further relates to an automatic steam pressure control therefor which permits instant spray operation at any time when the iron is at operating temperature.

In a pressing iron having dry and steam operation, it is desirable that a liquid `spray mechanism be provided to spray dry areas of the material being ironed or to add additional moisture to areas which are particularly difiicult to press. Moreover, it is desirable that the spray mechanism be quickly operable by actuating a single manual control when the iron is set for either dry or steam ironing. One method of accomplishing this result is to maintain a certain minimum `steam pressure at all times to operate the spray mechanism when needed. Since no steam is required for the pressing operation when the iron is set for dry ironing, it is desirable that the iron produce only suicient steam to maintain the pressure needed to power the sprayer. Accordingly, it is necessary to control the amount of steam being produced.

It is a primary object of this invention to provide an improved dry-steam iron which maintains automatically steam pressure to operate a liquid spray mechanism at any time.

It is another object of this invention to provide a water valve for controlling the flow of water from a liquid supply tank into a steam generator in an electric iron in response to the steam pressure generated by the steam generator.

Another object of this invention is to provide a dryspray iron with a pressure responsive valve arrangement whereby the amount of water converted into steam may be controlled in accordance with the consumption of the steam in connection with the spraying operation Another object of this invention is to provide an improved dry-spray-steam iron having a unique pressure responsive water valve and control assembly therefor which permits liquid spray operation when the iron is set for either dry or steam operation.

' i Briefly stated, in accordance with one aspect of this invention, an electric iron having a water tank and a steam generator is provided with a water valve controlling the flow of water from the tank into the generator, and the water valve is made responsive to the steam pressure within the generator in a manner such that the ow of water into the generator decreases as the pressure increases. With such an arrangement, a minimum steam pressure may be maintained automatically within the iron to provide the necessary power to actuate a liquid spray mechanism during dry operation as well as during steam operation of the iron.

team or dry operation may be provided by use of a two position setting for the pressure responsive water valve, the water valve being held in an open position independently of pressure for steam operation. A second pressure responsive valve in a steam passage conducts steam to the ironing surface. The second valve is set to yopen at a pressure higher than the closing pressure for become apparent with reference to the following drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a partially sectionalized elevational view of a pressing iron embodying this invention;

FIGS. 2 and 3 are cut-away views of the iron of FIG. l with the components shown in different operational positions; and

FEGS. 4, 5 and 6 are cut-away, partially sectionalized, elevational views of another embodiment of this invention with the components shown in various operational positions in the three figures.

Referring first to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, there is shown a atiron including a sole plate 1 over which is positioned a cover 2 and including an operating handle 3. The sole plate may be heated by a sheathed type electrical element having an electrical resistor 4 within an outer tubular sheath 5, with the electrical resistor separated from the sheath by a mass 6 of electrical insulating compound capable of withstanding heat, such as highly compressed granulated magnesium oxide.

Preferably the iron includes its own internal water supply reservoir, here shown as a tank 7 positioned under cover 2 and overlying the sole plate. Formed in the upper surface of the sole plate is a steam generating cavity 8 into which liquid may ilow from the reservoir 7 through a water passage or orifice 9 in a valve seat member 10. Cooperating with the fixed valve seat 1t) is a valve operating stem 11 which forms the lower section of a stem assembly to be hereinafter described. When valve stem 11 with its orifice clean-out pin 11a is seated against the xed valve member 10, flow of liquid into the steam generator cavity is shut otf; while with the valve stem in the position shown in FIG. 2, water may flow from the tank into the steam generating cavity drop by drop to be ashed into steam.

Steam generated within cavity 8 is confined by means of a cover plate assembly 12 `secured to the upper surface of the sole plate in a suitable manner, for example, by fastening devices 13. Secured to cover plate assembly 12, in any suitable manner, is a steam dome 14, preferably formed from lrelatively thin stainless steel or the like to retard the ow of heat from the sole plate and the cover plate assembly to `reservoir '7. The valve member 10 is shown secured to the top wall of steam dome 14, although obviously other arrangements may be employed. Steam dome 14 is provided a shoulder upon which rests a gasket 15 to receive the marginal iiange defining an enlarged aperture in the bottom wall of the liquid tank. The tank may be biased downwardly against gasket 15 to provide a liquid-tight seal.

A pressure equalization or balance tube 16 is secured to steam dome 14, and extends upwardly to a point above the normal water level in the tank. Any steam generated within generating cavity 8 may flow upwardly through the balance tube 16 into the upper por-tion of the reservoir. By this construction water will continue to flow through orifice 9 so long as it is open in that the tank is subjected to the pressure existing within the steam generator.

The upper end of tube 16 is positioned within a cylindrical riser 17 secured in suitable fashion to the tank 7 around an opening in the tank upper wall. Secured to the upper end of riser 17 is a steam tube 18, which in turn is connected to a liquid spray mechanism. In addition to balancing pressure between the steam generating cavity 8 and the water tank 7, balance tube 16 serves to direct the ow of steam from the steam generator to the spray mechanism. This arrangement minimizes the transfer of heat to the surrounding portions of the water tank 7. In this connection, the tank is also supplied with a cylindrical, apertured, batile member 19 surrounding the balance tube 16 and the water valve assembly. The

cylindrical member 19 further impedes the flow of Vsteam YThe rod 40 may of course be into the portions of the waterl tank beyond the member 19. Cylindrical member 19 also serves as a support for the tank.

A spray mechanism including a smaller is secured by a clamp 21 to the upper end of steam tube 18. The upper endrof steam tube 20 is provided with `steam tube 20 Y a small opening (not shown) which is directed to guide the steam through an opening 22 in an escutcheon plate 23 on handle 3 toward an area in front of sole plate 1.

The spray mechanism also includes a Water tube 24 havf ing its lower end positioned adjacent the bottom wall of water tank 7, and having its upper end extending into steam tube 20 and terminating adjacent the orifice in the steam tube.

The suction created by'high speed steamV llowing over the upper Vend of tube 24 out the orifice Vlever 44 are bifurcated so that oneY end 454 is pivotally connected to rody 4t) while the opposite end 46 is pivotally connected to valve stem 11. YIt should be noted that lever end 46 serves as a stop for washer 36 abutting compression spring 35. Y Lever 44 is pivotally mounted on fulcrum 47 which Vis a lixedmember securedrto the upper wall of water tank f7;Y It will'be realized that'as-the pressure Y withinthe tank increases, diaphragm 37 moves upwardly sucks water up tube 24eand atornizes the water into a tineVV 'g spray which is directed onto the material being moistened.

The steam pressureV existing Within the tank complements the suction force by forcing water up the tube 24. TheY orice of steam tube 20 isnnormallyclosed by cap-125 Vcausing lever 44 to pivot in a counterclockwise direction,

as viewed in FIG. l, thusV causing valve stem 11 to be Vmoved downwardly against the VVforce of spring 35 into a valve closing position. Conversely, as the pressure within the tankl decreases, the spring 35 movesV valve stem 11 upwardlywv and diaphragm 37 is moved downwardly.

' empty the tank if desired, there is provided a water inlet opening 48 in thelupper Vwall of riser 17, as viewed in which is slidably mounted yover tube Yand carried by a bracket 29, the outer `movement ofvwhich is limited by retaining ring 29a.` .Y g

To open, the spray orifice there is provided a pivotally mounted lever 26 *havingv a` bifurcated end Y27 which .i straddles ,steam tube .20.Y Each armfof lthebifurcatedy `lever end is slotted to receive a pairof pins, one of which is shown at 28.y YThe pins are attached to bracket 29 which carries cap`25. The opposite endof lever 26 is secured toan arm 30 terminating in a `pushbutt'en 31 extending through an opening in handle 3 to provide-'a convenientV externalr control for` actuating the sprayer. Depressing pushbutton 31 pivots lever 26 about pivot pin 32 in a Vclockwise direction to move bracket 29 and slide cap away from the spray orice. When button 31 is released, a spring V(not shown) wound on 'pin 32 urges lever 26 to its original position wherein the orice isionce more covered. It should be realizedY that the constructional details of the sprayer mechanism Vdo not vform a To replenish the waterv supply in water tank 7, and to V1316.3. vA Water inlet.V guide 49 is secured to the upper VVportion of riser 17 to provide a passagefor connecting inlet opening 4SV with van external opening 50 in the funnel-shaped escutcheon23. 'Guide .49V is sealed with respect'to member 23 by means of avs'uitabley gasket 51. In adding water to the tank7., the iron is placed on its heel rest so thatwa'terwill owfthro'ugh opening 50.

When water is being added to the supply tank the water valve orilice 9 should, of course, be closed. To minimize Y the ynumber of controls required, a combined valve stem assembly `for controlling both Vwater inlet opening48 and orice 9 has been provided. As maybe seen in the drawings, thelower valve stem Ysection 11-has va reduced'portion 52 .-on its upper endwhich is telescopically received withinfaslot or socket 53 formed in the lower end of an yupper valve stemsection 54. A valve member 55 slidably partfof this invention and accordingly other known spray i mechanisms may be employed. However, the preferred form described briefly above, is covered Vin greater detail and is claimed in PatentNo.r 3,041,757 issued torA..G.

VSwenson and H. S. Foster and assigned to General Elec tric Company, assignee of this application.` l

When the iron is being operated strictly asa dry iron,

there is of course no needy to generate steam. However,

it is desirable thatV steam for the sprayrmechanism be instantly kavailable so that the lsprayer maybe operatedV by simply depressing pushbutton 31.V On the `other hand, there is no need to generate more steam than -the rnini-Y f 'mum necessary to satisfactorily'operate the sprayer. In'y carried onvalve stemsection 54 ksupports ka sealing disk V56 Vadapted'to cooperate with inlet opening-l 48. A secondary sealing washer 57 ispressed against the lower end of valve member'V 55 to prevent leakage alongv the valve stern 54 when the lill valve `is closed. A compression :spring 58 having its lower end supported by lug 59 of the water tank, reacts against retaining'washer 60 to press sealing washer l57 againstfvalve y'member 55;- and more "importantly, the spring biasesrnember and sealing disk 56 into a closing position with respect to inlet opening 48.

f Therupper end of valve stenrsection 54 has anirregular accordance with lthe present invention, the amount of 'Y water allowed to ow, into steam generating cavity 8V is controlled by the steam pressure WithinY the cavityandV the Y interconnected water tank 7.

This is accomplished by utilizing a Vpressure.responsive mechanism` to' controlY thel position of lower valve stem section 11.` Valve stemllisfnormally biased away from the Yfixed valve seat member 10 by compression spring 35 which has` Vits lower end abuttingmember 10 Vand its.

shape terminating'in a pushbutton 61 extending through Y Van'fopening. in the upper surface of handle 3. Pushbutton .Y 61Vis formed witha step 61a adapted to cooperate with an internal,Y shoulder 61b of handle 3 to retainY the button and the valve assembly in a'fdepressed position.

To open inlet opening ,48j and simultaneously close Vwater valve orilice9, pushbutton 6,1.v may be depressed so that step Y61a engages shoulder-61b :is-*shown in FIG.3.

' In depressing Vthe valve stem assembly, upper stem section upper end abuting a washer 36 onthe valve .s temll.

The pressure responsive device employed to movey the valve stem 11 includes aflexible diaphragm '37 secured by suitable retaining rings 38 Yand 39.i11 an opening o f the upper wall of `water tank 7. `Thesteam pressurewithin the suppy tank aboveY atmospheric pressurecauses thediaphragm37 to moveupwardly which provideslthe v ncessary force to move the yvalve stern downwardly.

. To transmit this force `from `thediaphragm to the valve stem, there isprovideda rod 40 extending through dia- 54 is movedfdownwardly against the resistance offspring 58, movingthe secondary sealing disk 57 awayfrom valve member 55 Wherebysteampressure within the water tank ris gradually relieved by the leakagey alongthe valve stem as it passesl slidably'rthrough valve member 55.

Y Such gradualV pressure release is desirable to avoid sudden :boilingandsurgingY of waterin thetank ifthe pressure s were-suddenly released. rValve disk 'S6 isinythe meanf Y time, held closedfby the steam `p'ressurev'within the tank.

phragm 37 and securedfthereto in Ysealed vrelation. by Y meansA of washer 41 fixed to rod 40 andwasher 42 which is pressed against the diaphragm by retaining *memberV 43.

. When Vthe steam pressure has decreased to approximately atmosphericlpressure, valve member v55 along with disk `Stifslride downwardly onvalve stem 54, and thell valve isY fully open; The particularA construction ofthis ll Vvalvejdoesjnot form'a'part of the presentinvention, but

is claimedin the kaforementioned Patent No. 3,041,757. Y As the upper stem 54 moves downwardly as -above described, slidesV or telescopes onto thereduced portion, 52.

for dry ironing.

0f the lower valve stem section 11 until the lower section is forced downwardly against the resistance of spring 35 causing section 11 to close orifice 9. The unique telescopic action of the two valve stem sections is necessary to permit operation of the Water valve pressure responsive mechanism when the inlet opening is closed, as shown in FIG. 1. There it can be seenthat the upper valve stem section 54 is in its uppermost position closing the inlet or fill opening into the tank; while the lower valve stem section 11 is in its lowermost position closing the water valve. Section 11 is in this position by virtue of pressure existing within the tank 7, causing diaphragm 37 to be moved to its upper position as shown in FIG. l. When the pressure decreases, spring 35 will move valve stem section 11 upwardly to open the water valve, and this movement will not disturb the upper valve stem section 54, in that reduced portion 52 of valve stem 11 merely slides into the lower end of valve stem 54.

The iron so far described will operate as a dry iron with the provision for spray operation when desired. While such an iron would be very useful, it is desirable to also include provision for steaming operation independently and in combination with the spray mechanism if desired. For this purpose, a steam delivery system is provided including a network of passages leading from steam generating cavity 8, past a pressure responsive valve assembly 62 to passage 63 leading to a plurality of sole plate ports, one of which is shown at 64. The valve assembly 62 includes a valve stem 65 carrying a valve member 66, which is secured to valve stem 65 in a suitable manner. Valve stem 65 extends upwardly through f an opening in the steam dome 14 into a protective housf steam and spray iron having such a pressure regulator construction is disclosed and claimed in Patent No. 3,041,756 issued to H. S. Foster and also assigned to the yGeneral Electric Company.

In accordance with this invention, steam valve 62 is set to open automatically at a pressure slightly greater than the pressure needed to cause diaphragm 37 to fully close water valve orifice 9. This relationship is essential to obtain the desired spray operation when the iron is set The pressure responsive water valve mechanism will maintain the necessity minimum pressure for operating the sprayer; and by setting steam valve 62 above this minimum pressure, steam will not be permitted to iiow through the sole plate ports 64.

To obtain steam operation, an additional external coni trol button 7i) is provided extending through an opening in the handle 3 above rod 4t) .and diaphragm 37. Button 70 is mounted on one end of a flexible spring arm 71 having its opposite end secured by a suitable fastening member 72 to a fixed structural support 73, as seen in FIG. 1. Like pushbutton 61, button 70 may be provided with a step 74 for engaging an internal shoulder 75 on the handle 3. Button 70 is shown in its depressed position by dotted lines in FIG. 2. In vthis position, it may -be seen that the button and the iiexible spring member press against the end of retaining member 43 over the diaphragm to positively hold the water valve open. Steam will then be generated with suflicient pressure to iiow through valve 62 and out through discharge ports 64 in the sole plate.

It will be appreciated that since the steam valve 62 is not set to open until the pressure is higher than the minimum pressure required to operate the spray mechanism, suilicient pressure is continuously maintained within the Water tank to operate the sprayer whenever the iron is ready for steam operation. From the foregoing, it will be realized that the arrangement of FIGS. 1-3 provides a convenient drysteam iron with provision to operate a liquid sprayer at any time, regardless of the steam or dry setting of the iron controls.

In the above described embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, selection of steam or dry operation is controlled by the position of button 70. When button 70 is up, the ilexible diaphragm controls the water valve responsive to pressure, and the iron operates as a dry iron since steam valve 62 remains closed. Depression of button 7? overrides the diaphragm action to hold the water valve open regardless of pressure, whereupon the iron operates as a steam iron. In both cases, pressure is available for the liquid sprayer. Obviously, the mechanical override by means of pushbutton 7) could be connected to change the spring force on steam valve 62, rather than to act on the diaphragm with substantially identical overall results. In other words, a manually selected change of the spring force against steam valve 62 so that it will open slightly before closure of the water valve responsive tol steam pressure would convert the iron from dry to steam operation. At the same time, steam valve 62 could still hold sufficient pressure at all times for operation of the spray mechanism.

The embodiment of FIGS. 4-6 also utilizes a pressure responsive water valve and provides essentially the same results as the embodiment of FIGS. 1 3. However, in the FIGS. 4-6 arrangement, the steam control button has been eliminated and its function is combined with the control for the water tank inlet. Accordingly, there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a unique three-position pushbutton valve stem assembly for performing these combined functions.

As may be seen from the drawings of FIGS. 4-6, the water tank inlet-outlet valve stem assembly includes a lower section 11, a middle valve stem section 80, and an upper section S1. Lower section 11 is biased upwardly away from water valve orifice 9 by means of compression spring 35. The middle stem section carrying valve member 55 is biased upwardly by spring 82 to close the water tank fill opening. The upper valve stem section 81 carries a fixed washer 83. A spring 84 extending between washer 83 and the upper end of water guide 49 biases the valve stem section 81 upwardly. A pushbutton 85 secured to the upper end of valve stern section 81 provides the necessary manual control for operation of the valve stern assembly. The pushbutton 85 is provided with two steps 86 and 87 for cooperation with internal shoulders 83 and 89 on the handle 3. When the pushbutton valve assembly is in a non-depressed position as shown in FIG. 4, the upward movement of valve stern section 8l is limited by an ear 90 extending laterally from pushbutton 85 and engaging an inner portion of the handle. It should be noted that the valve stem sections are telescopically connected. More specifically, the upper end of section I1 slides within the lower end of middle section 80; and the lower end of section 81 slides within the upper end of middle section 80.

The lower valve stem section 11 is controlled during a pressing operation by a pressure responsive diaphragm 91 positioned in the bottom wall of water tank 7. The diaphragm is shown in this embodiment secured to the tank wall by means of an integrally formed peripheral bead 92. Further, the diaphragm is shown to be of the convoluted type which permits increased diaphragm movement. The linkage connecting the movement of the diaphragm to valve stem section 11 includes a rod 93, preferably centrally secured to diaphragm 91, and a lever 94 having one end secured to valve stem 11 and its opposite end secured to a iixed lug secured to the bottom wall of tank 7. The upper end of rod 93 is connected to the lever 94 at a point intermediate the-lever ends. Consequently, an increase inpressure within the tank will cause the diaphragm 91 to move downwardly pulling rod 93 and moving lever 94 so that the valve stem section 11 is moved in a valve closing direction. Since valve section 11 is biased upwardly by spring 35, it is not essential that the lever 94 be a rigid member for transmitting upward motion. Instead, lever 94 may be composed of two sec-`V tions connected in a manner such Vthatdownward move- Ztion with referencel to Ysaid'sole plate, means forming a L steam generating chamber receiving heat from said heater, delivery'rmeans,connected tosai'djsteam generating chamment of the diaphragmfwill cause kdownward.movement` of the valve stem section, while upward movement of the diaphragm need not move the valve stem.

To provide control of the pressure responsivewater valve for the steaming operation, ,the upper valve stem section 81 is connected to diaphragm 91. MoreV speci-v y cally, a ilexible connector.96,.for example of ribbon-like ,ber andgdeliveringrsteam to the work, a water tank disposed above said sole plate, watery conducting means connected to said water tank and communicating with said v, steam generating chamber, a Water regulating valve disposed in 'said Water conducting means for` controlling the ,ow of Vwater intoY said steam generating chamber and characten-has lone end connected to xed washer 83 and its opposite end connected to one end of lever97l which is pivoted at its opposite end to a lug 98 depending from the lower wall of the water tank 7.1'r Thelever 97( is positioned to engage a lretaining member on the lower v Ycluding a iiexible wall forming a part of the wall structure end of rod 93 so that when the valve stem sectionktilV Y Yis in its extreme upwardposition under the inuence of spring 84 (FIG. 4'); the flexiblemember 96 holds lever v 97 in the position shown in FIG. 4 wherein rod93 is held in its upper position, thus-positioning'valve stem section 11 in its extreme upper positionV wherein ther water valveY K is fully opened,` for the maximum steam generationrater] Y With the valve stem assembly positioned as shown inV FIG.` 4, theY water tank inlet opening is closed and the pressure responsive diaphragm' mechanism Vis held inop-Vv erative by the ribbon-like member 96 so thatvthe ironisV set for steam operation. Steam will be allowed to escape through'valve assembly 62 leading tothe sole plate ports exceeds the pressure setting of the valve. Withthe push-` button 85 in -its extreme upperrposition, the spray mechanism isl of courseinstantly operable by depressingpush-- button 31, as previously described.

To set the iron for dry ironing operatiompushbu'tton This action moves valve stem section 81dorwnwardlyVY a the waterinlet opening. Thereason that section y80rdoes Vnot move is that the downwardfmovement of sectioneSl is accommodated by the soclnetinthe,upper4 endv of sec- Y tion80. -Similarly, the sliding telescopic relation between section 11 and section`80 permits sectionfl'l tomoveV without beingaffected by the positionrof section 80. 'Ina the FIG. .5 position, steam pressure within the water tank controls the water valve. IAS the'pressure increases,the

l diaphragm moves to. its extreme lower'position, as shown,

wherein valve stem section-11 completelycloses'oricer9 ss A is moved to its first depressed Vposition'wherein step -86 Y engages shoulder 89 of the handle, as 'shown 'in FIG.:5.

having a fixed valve member, and a movable valve member cooperating therewith, pressureA responsive means 1nof said tank andsubject tothe pressure in said steam generating chamber connected to and operatingl said movable valve member to meter the ow of water into Ysaid chamber in accordancewithrthe amount of steam 2. In combination, a pressing iron having a sole plate, heating means supported by and in heat conducting relation with referenee'rto said sole plate, vmeans forming a i steam generatingzchamberY carried'by and disposed in heat conductingrvelation withY reference to said sole plate,

. delivery means connected to said steamv generating chamber and delivering'steamto the'work, a water, tank disposed'above said sole plate, Water conducting meanscong nectedtosaid watertank and communicating with said whenever'the pressure in thesteam generating ycavity v steamgenerating chamber, awater regulating valve disposed in saidwaterconducting means for controlling the f flow of water into saidsteamgenerating chamber and A havingk alix'ed valvel membery and a movable valve member cooperating therewith,pressure responsive means sub- Vrject to-thepres'sure in `said steamY generating chamber `top of the tank.

' Vconnected to andoperating said movable valve member to rneterp'the flow of. water into Asaid chamber in accordance vwith the amount of steam used, and meansforrning a vent extending from the Y steamV generating chamber to Ythe Y 3. 11n a Vpressing'iron having a sole plate,vheatingmeans supported by and in heat conducting relation with reference to said sole plate, means forming a steam generating chamber receiving heatfromsaidv heater, steamfdelivery means,` connected to said steamr generating chamberand delivering steamV to the work, valve means in saidzsteam delivery means, .a water tank4 disposed aboveY *said'sole plate, water conducting means connecting to said water Ytank and communicatingy withv said steam1 generating ..chamber, the combination of a water regulating valve disposed in 'said waterconducting means forV controlling j' l therewith, and pressureresponsive means Asubject to the leading tothe steam Vvgeneratingcavity.,` VA vdecrease Yin I the pressurewill,allow-section 11 to moveA upwardly,`V

erating cavity and water tank Vis suticient .to obtain instant operationofthe sprayer mechanism upon depressionvof -pushbutton 31., However, valve,"62,.which is set "reopenV at a'higher pressure,vremains closed and lthe iron operates as adryjiron, with-pressure still available forthe sprayer.

and'having a valve seat Vand alvalve member engageable pressure in said steam generating ,chamber connected Yto and operating said valvemember to meter the'low ,of

,55 rwater into said chamberrinacordance with the amount ofsteamused. Y Y Y. Y

4;;In an electric pressingV iron, a'sole vplate having a plurality of steam ports 'in its ironing surface, an electric 5 heatereinbedded in said sole plate, a steam generating ,In FIG. 6, pushbuttonss hasbe'en movedto its muyV .depressed position 'wherein step Y k86 cooperates with shoulder 88and step 87 cooperates with shoulder89. In

A this positionfthe 'valvestem assemblyV is in"its fully depressedv and axially" compressed position Where'inthe water inletopening is. v'open'jl and the water,Y :valve oriice'l9 is closed. 1f a ,v

While preferred embodimentsv and modifications of this cavity formed inthe upper surface Yof said sole plate, a water tankV disposed above fsaid sole plate, awater passageconnectingv said water tankfand ysaid steam generatin'gcavity, a water regulatingvalve ydisposed in said passage for controlling the Yilow of vwater into said steam generatingy cavity, pressure responsive meanssubject to the pressure in` said steam generating cavity connected to Vand operating-said water valve to meter the flow of water *into saidcavity,l afsteam outlet passage connecting said invention havefbeen disclosed, various other embodiments` heating means suPpOrted byV and in heat" conducting relaf' and modifications thereofrwill joccur 4.to those skilled in 'V70V theart; andit is intended'that-such will fall within 'the scopeof the invention as `vdened in the following',claims.'-V

Vthe flow of steam therethrough.

steam generatingcavity tosaid sole plate ports, and a valve positioned in VsaidV steam outletl passagetoicontrol .5..-An electric-pressing iron for steam and dryironing andliqidysprayer operation selectively,4 comprising; a

' sole plate having` a'steam generating chamber formed., in

its 'upper surface; "an, electric. Yheater embedded iin said sole plateadjacentrsaid chamber; a watertank positioned over said chamber; a pressure balance tube connecting said chamber to the upper portion of said water tank; a water' passage connecting said tank to said chamber; a water valve positioned within said passage for controlling the flow of water from said tank into said chamber; means responsive to the pressure within said chamber for controlling said Water valve; a steam distribution network including a plurality of ports within said sole plate for yducting steam from said chamber to the material to be pressed, and a spray mechanism powered by steam generated in said chamber for spraying liquid from the iron onto the material to be pressed.

6. An electric atiron comprising: a sole plate including electric heating means therefor; a water tank; a steam generating chamber, a water passage connecting said tank to said chamber; a pressure balance tube for equalizing pressure between said chamber and said water tank; a steam distribution network for ducting steam from said chamber to the material to be pressed; a spraying mechanism powered by steam from said chamber for spraying water from the iron onto the material to be pressed; a water valve positioned within said water passage for controlling the flow of water from said tank into said steam generating chamber; means responsive to the pressure within said chamber for controlling said water valve; a steam pressure valve in said steam distribution network set to automatically open at a pressure greater than the steam pressure needed to cause said pressure responsive means to close said water valve; and manual means for overpowering the force produced by said pressure responsive means and for opening said water valve, so that dry operation is obtained when the water valve is not controlled by said manual means, steam operation is provided when the water valve is held open by said manual means and instant spray operation may be obtained during either dry or steam operation.

7. In combination, a pressing iron having a sole plate, a heater supported by and in heat conducting relation with said sole plate, a steam generator receiving heat from said heater, a water tank disposed above said sole plate, and steam generator water conducting means connected to said water tank and communicating with said steam generator, a water regulating valve disposed in said water conducting means for controlling the flow of water into said steam generator and having a ixed valve member and a movable valve member cooperating therewith, a flexible wall forming a part of the wall structure of said tank and subject to the pressure in said steam generator, a mechanical linkage connecting said flexible wall to said movable valve member to meter the ow of Water into said chamber in a manner such that an increase in pressure within the chamber reduces the flow of water into the chamber, a water spray mechanism powered by steam from said steam generator, a steam delivery system connected to said steam generator for delivering steam to the material to be pressed, a steam pressure valve included within said delivery system with said valve being set to automatically open at a pressure greater than the pressure needed to cause said flexible wall to move and automatically close said water valve, and manual means for moving said flexible wall in a manner to open said water valve.

8. An electric steam and dry iron comprising: a sole vplate with an electric heating element therefor; means providing a sealed pressure system including a steam generating cavity in which water is converted to steam substantially instantaneously, a Water tank positioned to supply water to said cavity with a Water valve providing controlled liquid flow from said tank to said cavity, means biasing said water valve to its open position; a pressure balancing tube to maintain equal pressure in said water tank and said cavity, a normally closed inlet Valve into said Water tank and a spring closed outlet valve for steam generated in said system; said outlet valve opening at a rst predetermined pressure within said system; pressure responsive means included in said sealed system connected to close said water valve responsive to a second predetermined pressure within said system lower than said first pressure; and manually operable means to maintain said water valve open independently of said pressure responsive means.

9. In a pressing iron, a sole plate, a heater for heating said sole plate, a steam generator formed in the upper surface of said sole plate, delivery means connected to said steam generator and delivering steam to the work, a water tank disposed above said steam generator, water conducting means connected to said water tank and communicating with said steam generator, a water regulating valve disposed in said water conducting means for controlling the flow of water into said steam generating chamber and having a fixed valve member and a movable valve member cooperating therewith, a flexible diaphragm forming a part of the wall structure of said tank adjacent said water valve, means connecting said steam generator and said water tank above the water level therein to equalize pressure between said steam generator andsaid water tank, a pivotally mounted lever connected to said movable valve member and to said diaphragm to move said movable valve member in the valve closing direction responsive to increasing pressure within said water tank.

10. An electric iron having a sole plate, a heater for heating said sole plate, a steam generator receiving heat from said heater, delivery means connected to said steam generator and delivering steam to the work, a water tank disposed above said sole plate, an inlet opening in said tank for adding water to the tank, a passage connecting said tank and said steam generator for permitting water to low from the tank into the generator, an elongated valve stem assembly having three axially slidable sections including a lower section cooperating with said passage to control the amount of water owing through said passage, a middle section for controlling said inlet opening, and an upper section providing a manual control for operating the valve stem assembly, pressure responsive means subject to the pressure in said steam generator connected to and operating said lower valve stem section to meter the flow of water into said generator, means connecting said pressure responsive means and said upper valve stem section for moving said pressure responsive means to a position wherein said lower valve stem section is moved to its fully open position with respect to said water passage, said valve stem assembly being manually movable into three positions which determine the operation of said iron, including a water fill position wherein lsaid lower valve stem section is positioned to prevent the flow of Water through the passage connecting the tank in the steam generator and said middle section is positioned so that the ll opening is open, a dry-spray position wherein said lower section is controlled by said ilexible wall and said middle section closes the water inlet opening, and a steam-spray position wherein said upper section by means of said connecting means and said pressure responsive means holds said lower section in its fully open position with respect to said Water passage leading to said generator.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,917,698 7/33 Carson 38-77 X 2,049,652 8/36 Jolley 38-77 X 3,041,757 7/62 Swenson et al. 38-77.0

JORDAN FRANKLIN, Primary Examiner.

THOMAS J. HICKEY, Examiner. 

1. IN COMBINATION, A PRESSING IRON HAVING A SOLE PLATE, HEATING MEANS SUPPORTED BY AND IN HEAT CONDUCTING RELATION WITH REFERENCE TO SAID SOLE PLATE, MEANS FORMING A STEAM GENERATING CHAMBER RECEIVING HEAT FROM SAID HEATER DELIVERY MEANS CONNECTED TO SAID STEAM GENERATING CHAMBER AND DELIVERING STEAM TO THE WORK, A WATER TANK DISPOSED ABOVE SAID SOLE PLATE, WATER CONDUCTING MEANS CONNECTED TO SAID WATER TANK AND COMMUNICATING WITH SAID STEAM GENERATING CHAMBER, A WATER REGULATING VALVE DISPOSED IN SAID WATER CONDUCTING MEANS FOR CONTROLLING THE FLOW OF WATER INTO SAID STEAM GENERATING CHAMBER AND HAVING A FIXED VALVE MEMBER AND A MOVABLE VALVE MEMBER COOPERATING THEREWITH, PRESSURE RESPONSIVE MEANS INCLUDING A FLEXIBLE WALL FORMING A PART OF THE WALL STRUCTURE OF SAID TANK AND SUBJ ECT TO THE PRESSURE IN SAID STEAM GENERATING CHAM CONNECTED TO AND OPERATING SAID MOVABLE VALVE MEMBER TO METER THE FLOW OF WATER INTO SAID CHAMBER IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AMOUNT OF STEAM USED. 